A Hanging By George Orwell Essay

Set in Burma during the time of British imperialism, George Orwell’s ‘A Hanging,’ provides an in-depth account of a singular instance of capital punishment. The essay captures the event in its entirety and, through Orwell’s powerful structure and style, allows readers the chance to experience it as if in the room with Orwell himself.

The essay begins by setting the scene within the confines of the jail, poetically describing Orwell’s surroundings and the manner in which they are perceived. It goes on to introduce the prisoner who remains nameless and is known only by his Hindu background and unusual appearance. As the prisoner is escorted to the gallows where he would soon lose his life, a large terrier enters the scene and creates commotion
The scene is set in such a way as to suggest the dehumanisation associated with capital punishment, however with respect to the time in which this piece was written it should be considered the reason as to why Orwell was in Burma to begin with. The country, under British imperialistic rule, saw oppression from the British toward the Indian populace. This is important to acknowledge as the story describes not the British and their oppressive ways but rather how the Indians in themselves are dehumanising the prisoner. It is here where the dog’s purpose in the essay becomes clearer. As the prisoner chants the name of his god from the gallows the terrier “answered the sound with the whine” (p.3) as if to share the pain and offer support toward the prisoner. When the prisoner is killed, however, the dog retreats to a corner as if fearful that the same fate may come of him. By mentioning the dog Orwell has effectively entered a new perspective. It is almost as if to suggest the deplorability of the act, while it goes unnoticed by the jailers committing it, is recognised and feared by those who do not support